JGA Associates

(8÷12÷11 Update: Following a quick Google search, I recently discovered that JGA is being sued for breach of contract (among other things). The details of the case are quite shocking and, in several aspects, mirror what is described below. Before doing business with JGA, I would do yourself a favor and spend the $ 3 or so to retrieve the court documents from PACER. You will not like what you read.)
Always judge a company by their website.
This is a motto that I usually live by. If the company does not care enough to make a visually appealing website (or at the very least, one that doesn’t look like a poorly slapped together template), odds are, they are not worth your time. When I originally saw JGA’s website, complete with a blurry, poorly designed logo, I should have trusted my gut and continued to live by my motto.
But instead, I took a chance on JGA, and brought them aboard my project. I enlisted JGA’s help in finding financing for a feature film (something they claimed — but could not prove — they had experience with).
Problems started right from the get-​go. Phone calls and e-​mails were not answered, scheduled meetings were not kept (with no notification, mind you), and we were basically kept in the dark on most of what was going on. We were continually told this was for Confidentiality’s sake.
We brought up the communication problems to JGA several times, and while they were acknowledged, they were never actually rectified. Every time we would slowly slip back into the same exact routine. Oddly enough, the most communication I ever received from them was during the time I threatened legal action.
Film development is incredibly difficult (ESPECIALLY today) and a lack of communication is never what you want hampering your project. JGA never kept us abreast of any developments (problems with the project, things clients were saying; outside of generalities), so we could never adapt and properly change the materials. All we could do is wait and hope.
The last straw came when we requested monthly job cost reports (something we were DEFINITELY owed). JGA promised we would receive the reports but only delivered one. After that, they broke off all communication with us and never sent another report (even though I have several e-​mails stating explicitly that they would). JGA walked away from the project without EVER contacting us. It was the least professional thing I have ever encountered.
Working with JGA was hands-​down one of the most aggravating experiences I have encountered in my film career. I have no knowledge as to their other financial endeavors, but I can say, in regards to film, their abilities are severely lacking.
Company Contact: Joseph P. Amato
(JGA also had a complaint filed against them with the Better Business Bureau for «Problems with Product/​Service» in 2009. No further information, but take that as you will.)